Kalba Mangrove reserve

Kalba Mangrove reserve is a natural reserve to a protected natural mangrove forest located in Kalba, Sharjah. Conservation efforts around the mangrove have sought to protect the declining populations of white-collared kingfisher birds that inhabit the area.[1]

Kalba Mangrove reserve
Kalba Mangrove Center
TypeNature reserve
LocationKalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Coordinates25°00′N 56°22′E

Flora and Fauna

The coastal mangrove consists of Avicennia marina, trees of the inland savanna include Ziziphus spina-christi, Prosopis cineraria and the Umbrella Thorn Acacia tortilis. The world's largest population of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) breeds on Masirah Island and other turtles that come to these coasts include the olive ridley (Lepydochelys olivacea), green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The area is extremely rich in bird life. Endemic birds include a species of collared kingfisher.

Kalba Mangrove Center

The Khor Kalba Mangrove Center was opened in the spring of 2021 as a sanctuary to protect the 300 year old mangrove's biodiversity and local wildlife, help rehabilitate turtles, and nurture endangered birds. It consists of several pod-like structures inspired by sea urchins with minimal environmental impact and includes a visitor center, veterinary clinics, and laboratories.[2][3] Crabs, sea cucumbers, starfish, various crustaceans and sea urchins are found in the center.[4][5] A number of conservationists and ecologists had expressed concern regarding the project.[6]

References
  1. "Mangrove fears over Emirates eco-tourism project". The National. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  2. Chakraborty, Moumita (2021-04-21). "Kalba gets a new mangrove sanctuary –Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre". Mashable ME. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  3. Wam. "Kalba gets another mangrove sanctuary". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  4. Watt, Alison. "Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre – Glimpses of UAE". Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  5. "Turtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects". ArchDaily. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  6. Todorova, Vesela (20 May 2012). "Mangrove fears over Emirates eco-tourism project". The National. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
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